By Steven Lieberman
Observer Reporter
There was a surprise at The Fabulous Forum on Saturday night at the Chicago/Earth, Wind & Fire – Heart & Soul concert. Both bands took the stage together for the first 20 minutes of the show and for the finale to wow the crowd.
Having both lead singers – Philip Bailey (EWF) and Robert Lamm (Chicago) – sharing vocals on “Beginnings” was a real treat. Both highly distinctive voices. I’m sure the fans wished that both bands, 20 total musicians, would have stayed on stage together the entire show.
Having former Chicago lead singer Peter Cetera back would have made the night even better. He has been going solo for many years now. And EWF former co-lead singer, Maurice White, founder of his band is now retired due to health issues.
Chicago had their Cetera tribute singer, Jason Scheff, try to fill the bill, but came up a bit short, although he was functional. He joined the band in 1985 after Cetera left.
Another surprise was Philip Bailey’s son, Philip Jr., contributing on vocals and percussion and displayed fine vocal chops and great energy like his dad. Philip Sr.’s remarkable falsetto was in rare form, especially while singing “Reasons.” The glass almost shattered in the building.
Also having great energy on stage were both founding members and leaders of Chicago’s brass section, James Pankow (trombone) and Lee Loughnane (trumpet).
Both bands sang all of their big hits which included “Saturday in the Park,” “25 or 6 to 4” (Chicago) and “September,” and “Shining Star” (EWF), among others. The hits kept coming for over three hours.
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